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Join our Veterinary Medicine internship in Ghana and learn by shadowing and learning directly from experienced vets. This is a great way to add work experience to your resume, and get a deeper insight into working with animals in a developing country.

In Ghana, you can work with domestic and farm animals at a veterinary hospital, or shadow a vet treating livestock on a farm. You’ll help with wound care, vaccinations, or checking vital signs. You’ll also help set up equipment for surgical procedures. It may also be possible for you to observe post-mortems.

While in Ghana, you’ll live with a local host family in Accra or Akuapem Hills. When you aren’t eating your fill of foods like jollof rice and banku, you can explore the beautiful countryside and bustling towns.

Flexi Trips > Ghana > Veterinary Medicine

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When you apply you only pay $295, which comes off the total price.

Looking to do more than one project? Call us on (+1) 212 244 7234 to see if we can offer a discount.

Personalized MyProjectsAbroad website, with all the information you need about your project, accommodation and destination

A free cultural awareness course

Membership to our volunteer social media groups, to share information and to get in touch

Support to help you complete registration or internship documents, if applicable

What's not included?

Flights

Visa costs (where applicable)

Is the Veterinary Medicine internship in Ghana right for me?

Our Veterinary Medicine internship is perfect for anyone interested in getting practical work experience with animals. This is especially useful if you want to become a vet in the future. It will add relevant work experience to your resume, and give you interesting points to talk about in interviews and applications.

You don’t need previous experience or training to do this internship. You’ll be supervized by a vet every step of the way, and they’ll teach you everything you need to know. They will be there to answer your questions as you learn about working with animals in a developing country. You can also reach out to Projects Abroad staff for support and guidance at any time.

This project runs year round, so you can choose when you would like to join from a minimum of two weeks. We do, however, recommend that you stay for longer than two weeks to see and learn more.

What will I be doing at my Veterinary Medicine placement in Ghana?

As a Veterinary Medicine intern, you’ll either work with livestock on a farm or with domestic and farm animals at a local veterinary hospital. Here are some of the tasks you’ll be involved in:

Observe and assist local veterinarians as they assess the animals during routine consults and treatments

Assist with operations and observe post-mortems on farm or domestic animals

Educate the public and farm owners on the correct animal care procedures

At your Veterinary Medicine placement in Ghana, your work will focus on the following areas:

Observe and assist during routine consults and treatments

You’ll work alongside vets during farm visits or at a veterinary hospital. You’ll shadow them during the day and watch how they conduct consultations, work with the animals, and assess them for treatment. Under the supervision of the vet, you can also assist. If permitted, you can help with tasks like:

General care of the animals

Administer vaccines and medication

Dress wounds

Disease testing

Setting IVs

Lend a hand during operations and observe post-mortems

Depending on your level of experience, you may get to assist with more hands-on work. You can assist the vet by preparing surgical areas and equipment, and lending a hand during operations such as sterilisations. On the odd occasion, you’ll be able to observe post-mortem surgeries. Here, you’ll be able to find out if an animal died from injury, disease, or other complications.

Educate the public and farm owners on the correct animal care procedures

In Ghana, there is often a lack of knowledge about animal care. Many animal and farm owners do not take their livestock or pets to the vet as they are unable to afford the fees. They often don’t have the means to travel for veterinary care either.

Because of this, they either do not report cases of sick animals or leave it too late. If the animals do not recover by themselves, they can die from their conditions. By teaching the public about correct animal care, you’ll see lower mortality rates and help prevent the spread of disease.

Where you will be working as a Veterinary Medicine intern in Ghana?

On this project, you can choose to work in the capital city of Accra or the more rural Akuapem Hills.

Accra

Ghana’s capital city is situated on the Atlantic coast. With over two million people living there, it’s one of the largest and most urban cities in the country. As you pass through the main streets, you’ll be greeted by many curious locals. You’ll also walk past a bevy of Ghanaian restaurants serving delicious cuisine

You’ll work with farm and domestic animals at a local veterinary hospital. This private veterinary institution provides efficient, affordable, and quality veterinary health care to farmers and pet owners in Ghana.

Akuapem Hills

Known as one of the quieter regions in Ghana, Akuapem Hills is a beautiful area of lush vegetation, hilly mountainside and rich red earth. Scattered along the mountainside are small villages where you’ll experience a more traditional side of the Ghanaian culture. You’ll get to know the locals better and can enjoy dried fish and yams from a food market.

You’ll be working on farms throughout the day, visiting and treating farm animals that require assistance.

What will a typical day on the Veterinary Medicine internship be like?

You’ll begin each morning with breakfast at your host family’s house. You’ll then get dressed into clothes you don’t mind getting dirty before grabbing a tro tro or shared taxi to your placement. On your first day, a staff member will accompany you and show you the way.

A typical day on this project can start as early as 7am and end around 3pm. You can either eat a packed lunch during the day, or wait until your shift is over and enjoy lunch back at your host family’s house.

You’ll meet with your supervisor and discuss the day’s activities before setting out for the day. Depending on the placement you chose, you’ll either spend your time at farms or a veterinary hospital. You’ll be involved in administering vaccinations, as well as assisting with operations and routine treatments, and observing post mortems.

In the evenings and over the weekends, you’ll have time to yourself. Use this time to sample traditional dishes like jollof rice in Accra, enjoy the beach in Cape Coast, and spend time with other interns and volunteers.

What are the aims and impact of this internship?

The main aim of this project is to give you an educational experience and the opportunity to learn directly from local vets. You will also give back by helping care for animals and sharing knowledge on how people can better care for their pets and livestock.

In Ghana, there is a shortage of vets. With only a small group of vets available to farmers and pet owners, many animals go untreated. Most vets work in cities, and farmers in rural areas have no access to them. In addition, a large percentage of human diseases come from sick animals. This means that you’re likely to see diseases that have been eradicated in your country.

With your help, our partner vets can reach more people and animals to provide treatment. Treating diseases and distributing vaccinations will help prevent future outbreaks of animal related diseases.

Gain invaluable veterinary medicine work experience in Ghana and give your resume an extra edge while promoting the welfare of animals.

"Having observed a lot back home, I was able to actively get hands on in some situations, such as drawing up injections, taking temperatures and giving injections. All the vets were so helpful and were really keen for you to learn."

Volunteer review

From the minute I arrived at the lodge, surrounded on three sides by dense jungle, and on the fourth, a huge piranha-packed
river, I knew that my stay here would be unforgettable.

From the minute I arrived at the lodge, surrounded on three sides by dense jungle, and on the fourth, a huge piranha-packed
river, I knew that my stay here would be unforgettable.

From the minute I arrived at the lodge, surrounded on three sides by dense jungle, and on the fourth, a huge piranha-packed
river, I knew that my stay here would be unforgettable.

Measuring Our Impact

Our projects work towards clear long-term goals, with specific annual objectives. Every volunteer and intern we send to these projects helps us work towards these goals, no matter how long they spend on our projects.

Every year we take a step back and look at how much progress we've made towards these goals. We put together a Global Impact Report, which documents our achievements. Find out more about the impact our global community of volunteers, interns and staff make, and read the latest report.

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION

You'll stay with a host family in Accra, Akuapem Hills, Cape Coast, or Dodowa. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Ghana and have a truly unique experience.

We will always try to let you live alongside at least one other Projects Abroad volunteer or intern at the same host family. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND FREE TIME

Volunteering in Ghana is an ideal way to explore this colourful West African country. There’s a huge variety of different activities to do while you’re there, giving you plenty of exciting ways to spend your free time.

Music is a central part of Ghanaian culture. In the bigger towns, especially Accra, you will hear some great live bands and have some memorable nights out. Evenings spent at buzzing restaurants will also give you a taste of some of the delicious local cuisine.

For a look into Ghana’s history, you can tour the slave forts of Cape Coast and visit museums. Nature lovers will relish trekking through the rainforests of Kakum National Park or Mole National Park.

We run a wide range of projects in Ghana so there’s sure to be other volunteers there during your trip. This means you can explore the country solo or connect with other volunteers and travel as a group.

SAFETY AND STAFF SUPPORT

Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.

Meet the team in Ghana

Emmanuel Abaaja

Country Director

Emmanuel took over as Director in Ghana in March 2012. He joined Projects Abroad back in 2002 after completing his national service as a teacher. Emmanuel was Regional Manager of the Akuapem Hills for 8 years from 2004. Emmanuel holds a BSc from Legon University in Accra. He is a very active member of his local church and a proud father to his two daughters.

Meet the team in Ghana

Shoshana Court

Operations Manager

Shoshana was born in Curaçao, a small island in the South Caribbean. She grew up in Ethiopia, Nepal, Chad, Bolivia, Colombia, India, Denmark, Chile, and the UK, before she settled in Ghana in 2011. She joined Projects Abroad Ghana in 2012 then took a break to return to Europe and start a family. She rejoined the team in Ghana in 2017. Shoshana holds a BA Honours in Spanish and Latin American Studies from Southampton University and an MSc in International Development from Bristol University in the UK. She enjoys travelling, photography, interior design, and finding time to read a good book.

Meet the team in Ghana

Rebecca Abuaku

Accounts and Administration Manager

Rebecca is based in our Head Office in Accra. She is responsible for all the accounts and administrative work generated by our Ghana programme. She grew up in Accra and holds a degree in Accounting and Management from a local university in Cape Coast. She used to work with an NGO as Human Resource Manger before joining Projects Abroad in January 2007.

Meet the team in Ghana

Enoch Tawiah Aggrey

Medical Project Manager

Enoch, originally from Cape Coast, is the Medical Project Manager of the Kumasi team. He has a degree in BA Nursing and Psychology from the University of Ghana. He worked at Kola Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra before joining Projects Abroad in October 2009.

Meet the team in Ghana

John Siisi Annan

Project Manager

John graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication science from the Ghana Institute of Journalism. He joined Projects Abroad in 2013 after many years working as a teacher, a broadcast journalist at a radio station, and a freelancer where he helped develop campaign strategies for many start-up companies. John is very active and plays basketball competitively. He also loves to read, write and perform poetry, and enjoy Accra’s vibrant nightlife.

Meet the team in Ghana

Grant Appiah

Our Cape Coast Regional Coordinator is 28-year-old Grant Appiah. Grant grew up in Cape Coast, and holds a BSc in Tourism from the town's University. He joined the Projects Abroad team in May 2003, and established many of the placements we now operate in this region. Grant meets all volunteers on arrival in Cape Coast and will then show you around the town on your induction.

Meet the team in Ghana

Princeley Kweku Bondzie

Princeley holds a Higher National Diploma in Tourism from the Cape Coast Polytechnic. He is responsible for all the placements and volunteers in the Akuapem Hills.

Meet the team in Ghana

Fynn Kusi Adjei

Fynn holds a first degree in Geography and Resource Development from University of Ghana, Legon- Accra. He is responsible for all the placements and volunteers in Accra. He has been working with Projects Abroad since November 2008.

Meet the team in Ghana

Richmo Domfeh

Assistant Manager

Richmond (known as Chief) has a High National Diploma in Electronic Engineering from Sunyani Polytechnic. He worked at Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly before joining Projects Abroad.

Meet the team in Ghana

Kwame Nyameror (Nyame)

Volunteer Coordinator

Kwame Nyameror, or Nyame as he is usually known has many duties including meeting volunteers at the airport and accompanying volunteers from Accra to the region where they will be living. He has also become our unofficial Twi teacher, and is always a smiling face around the Accra office.

Meet the team in Ghana

Ernest Adu

Ernest works with the Human Rights Office as an Assistant Programme Coordinator. He supervises the work of volunteers on Human Rights projects. Ernest has a Bachelor of Education Degree in Population Studies from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

Meet the team in Ghana

Gertrude Tetteh

Gertrude completed a degree in Communication Studies and later furthered her education by attaining a diploma in Journalism. She is an outgoing and observant person and has been working for Projects Abroad since January 2015. When she is not in the office, Gertrude enjoys reading, listening to music and sightseeing.

Meet the team in Ghana

Richard Mensah Dugbenu

Medical Coordinator

Richard is the coordinator for the medical placements in Accra. He’s a qualified nurse with a degree from the University of Ghana. Richard will make sure everything regarding your medical placement and the medical outreaches in and around Accra runs smoothly.

Meet the team in Ghana

Gifty Ayaw Asante

Gifty is the Medical Coordinator in the Accra region. She holds a certificate as a Health Care Assistant. Gifty likes going out with friends in her free time.

Meet the team in Ghana

Agbo Famous Ampofo

Building Coordinator

Agbo is a native of Agbozume in the Volta Region and has two daughters and a son. He has been the Supervisor for our Building Project since 2005. He is very approachable and is always happy to meet volunteers at the building site. He speaks English, Ewe and Twi.

Meet the team in Ghana

Eric Ekow Ewusie

Assistant Regional Coordinator

Eric is from Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana. He has been working with Projects Abroad since 2010 and holds a Higher National Diploma in Tourism from the Cape Coast Polytechnic. Eric assists with all placements and volunteers in Cape Coast.

Meet the team in Ghana

Joseph Odoteye

Office Assistant

Joseph was born and raised in Accra, Ghana. He completed his studies in Statistics at Accra Polytechnic and he’s been with Projects Abroad since 2014. When he is not helping with volunteers or working, Joseph enjoys playing football and catching up with friends.

Meet the team in Ghana

Isaka Zibani

Office Security Guard

Isaka is our Office Guard. He guards the Head Office in Accra, and makes sure the surroundings are safe and calm at night. Isaka spends his free time with his wife and three lovely daughters when he is not working.

Meet the team in Ghana

Tatjana Kotschenreuther

Volunteer Advisor

Tatjana was born in Berlin, Germany. She has a degree in Education and has been living in Mexico since 2003. She previously worked as a volunteer coordinator at the Animal Care Centre in Guadalajara, and as a German teacher at different language schools. She joined the volunteer advisor team in May 2016. In her free time she likes to go to concerts or festivals, exercising, and enjoying nature.

Meet the team in Ghana

Clem van der Merwe

Volunteer Advisor

Clem was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. With a creative and musical background and having previously worked in the film industry, he craved something more and stumbled upon Projects Abroad. Since then has been the Volunteer Advisor for Cambodia. He enjoys performing music live and growing his life in all areas.

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